KCEtsy After Christmas Giveaway!

This week’s giveaway is Soda Tab bracelet ($18 value)!

Cindy of FabTabulous has been making upcycled soda tab accessories for two years now! Her items are Earth friendly and fun!

Cindy’s latest creation are napkin rings -- “FabTabulous Bling” for your table!

Stop on by her shop to see all her items!

THIS GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED!

Here is how TO ENTER THIS CONTEST AND WIN any Soda Tab bracelet from her shop ($18 value), simply visit Cindy’s Etsy Shop (http://www.etsy.com/shop/FabTabulous) and choose your favorite item in the shop, then post a comment here about your favorite item here. Be sure to include your e-mail in your post, so we can notify you if you win!

For extra entries, please leave a separate comment for each entry that you complete. Ex. "Like" me on Facebook, leave a comment saying you did. Follow Cindy on Twitter, leave another comment saying you did that.

Extra Entries:

1. Become a follower of KCEtsy blog.

2. “Like” KCEtsy on facebook or comment that you already are a fan.

3. “Like” FabTabulous on Facebook or comment that you already are a fan.

4. Tweet about this giveaway and leave a comment with the link to the tweet. (daily entry – 1 tweet per day)

5. Post on your Facebook about this giveaway and leave a comment here.

6. Purchase item(s) and post the sold item. Each item is a different entry.

Your e-mail won’t be necessary in the extra entries since it will be in the first comment.

Remember, the first comment is mandatory and you must leave a separate comment for each extra entry.

Contest closes at 11:59 p.m. Central Time on Tuesday, January 4, 2011. Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2011 a winner will be randomly drawn from eligible entrants and notified by e-mail, and the winner's name will also be posted here. Winner has one week to contact Cindy to claim his/her prize after initial contact. Contest open to U.S. residents. Keep checking here for our weekly giveaways and good luck to you!

WINNER:

Girly Girl Moments

KCEtsy Countdown to Christmas Giveaway Week 5

This week’s giveaway is a pair of Red Parasol Porcelain Stud Earrings!

Cara Long, artist and owner of Sweet Mud Clay Works, enjoys creating new designs that are distinctive and innovative which emphasize her interest in pattern and ornamentation. She makes all of her porcelain jewelry by hand, from scratch, in small batches. Take a look at all of her items, and you’ll see that her craftsmanship and aesthetic are unparalleled in the field of ceramic jewelry.

In addition to creating porcelain jewelry Cara also specializes in translucent porcelain installation work. You can find more info at www.caralong.com.

Here is how TO ENTER THIS CONTEST AND WIN the Red Parasol Porcelain Stud Earrings, simply visit Cara’s Etsy Shop (www.sweetmud.etsy.com) and choose your favorite item in the shop, then post a comment here about your favorite item. Be sure to include your e-mail address in your post, so we can notify you if you win!

THIS GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED

For extra entries, please leave a separate comment for each entry that you complete. Ex. "Like" me on Facebook, leave a comment saying you did. Follow Cara on Twitter (www.twitter.com/sweetmudclay), leave another comment saying you did that.

Extra Entries:

1. Become a follower of KCEtsy blog.

2. “Like” KCEtsy on facebook or comment that you already are a fan.

3. “Like” Sweet Mud Facebook (www.facebook.com/sweetmudclay) or comment that you already are a fan.

4. Become a follower of Sweet Mud’s blog (www.SweetMudClayWorks.com).

5. Tweet about this giveaway and leave a comment with the link to the tweet. (daily entry – 1 tweet per day)

6. Post on your Facebook about this giveaway and leave a comment here.

7. Purchase item(s) and post the sold item. Each item is a different entry.

Your e-mail won’t be necessary in the extra entries since it will be in the first comment.

Remember, the first comment is mandatory and you must leave a separate comment for each extra entry.

Contest closes at 11:59 p.m. Central Time on Tuesday, Dec. 21, 2010. Wednesday, Dec. 22, 2010 a winner will be randomly drawn from eligible entrants and notified by e-mail, and the winner's name will also be posted here. Winner has one week to contact Cara to claim his/her prize after initial contact. Contest open to U.S. residents. Keep checking here for our weekly giveaways and good luck to you!

Winner is Krista!

KCEtsy Countdown to Christmas Giveaway: Week 4

This week’s giveaway is a Fairy Hair Pin, and you get to pick your own colors!

Karla of Thyme2dream is known for her beautiful jewelry that has a unique Fantasy, Medieval and Renaissance style. Karla’s Thyme2dreamWeddings has beautiful tiaras, hair pins, etc. for your wedding, costume, or even just wear around the house… because you’re a beautiful princess. :)

Karla and her husband, Ian, travels around the country with their beautiful wares to Renaissance and Celtic festivals. Next time there is a Renaissance festival in your city, stop by and see if Karla is there!

Here is how TO ENTER THIS CONTEST AND WIN a custom Fairy Hair Pin, simply visit Karla’s Etsy Shop (www.thyme2dreamweddings.etsy.com) and choose your favorite item in the shop, then post a comment here about your favorite item here. Be sure to include your e-mail in your post, so we can notify you if you win!

For extra entries, please leave a separate comment for each entry that you complete. Ex. "Like" me on Facebook, leave a comment saying you did. Follow Karla on Twitter, leave another comment saying you did that.

THIS GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED

Extra Entries:

1. Become a follower of KCEtsy blog.

3. Follow Karla on her blog - http://thyme2dream.blogspot.com/.

4. “Like” KCEtsy on facebook or comment that you already are a fan.

5. “Like” Thyme2dream Facebook or comment that you already are a fan.

6. Tweet about this giveaway and leave a comment with the link to the tweet. (daily entry – 1 tweet per day)

7. Post on your Facebook about this giveaway and leave a comment here.

8. Purchase item(s) and post the sold item. Each item is a different entry.

Your e-mail won’t be necessary in the extra entries since it will be in the first comment.

Remember, the first comment is mandatory and you must leave a separate comment for each extra entry.

Contest closes at 11:59 p.m. Central Time on Tuesday, Dec. 14, 2010. Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2010 a winner will be randomly drawn from eligible entrants and notified by e-mail, and the winner's name will also be posted here. Winner has one week to contact Karla to claim his/her prize after initial contact. Contest open to U.S. residents. Keep checking here for our weekly giveaways and good luck to you!

Winner is WindyCindy!

KCEtsy Countdown to Christmas Giveaway Week 3

This week’s giveaway is a $20 gift card that is good toward any item at Mama Hoot Designs! WOW! That's a pretty awesome giveaway!

“Hoot” is a nickname derived from Charity's last name! There are Papa Hoot and Lil Hoot in her family! How fun!

Charity of Mama Hoot is amazing at making custom items for you! Her shop has lots of fun items, like custom growth chart for your little one, custom totes, bags, shopping cart covers, and so much more!

She absolutely love to make custom items that fits to your needs, and making these items that uniquely fits you makes her happy! :)

Be sure you check out her blog, she’s always doing a giveaway there too!

Here is how TO ENTER THIS CONTEST AND WIN a $20 Gift Card to Mama Hoot Designs, simply visit Charity’s Etsy Shop (www.mamahootdesigns.etsy.com) and choose your favorite item in the shop, then post a comment here about your favorite item here. Be sure to include your e-mail in your post, so we can notify you if you win!

For extra entries, please leave a separate comment for each entry that you complete. Ex. "Like" KCEtsy on Facebook, leave a comment saying you did. "Like" Charity on facebook, leave another comment saying you did that.

THIS GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED!

Extra Entries:

1. Become a follower of KCEtsy blog.

3. Follow Charity on her blog - http://www.mamahoot.blogspot.com/.

4. “Like” KCEtsy on facebook or comment that you already are a fan.

5. “Like” Mama Hoot Designs Facebook or comment that you already are a fan.

6. Tweet about this giveaway and leave a comment with the link to the tweet.

7. Post on your Facebook about this giveaway and leave a comment here.

8. Purchase item(s) and post the sold item. Each item is a different entry.

Your e-mail won’t be necessary in the extra entries since it will be in the first comment.

Remember, the first comment is mandatory and you must leave a separate comment for each extra entry.

Contest closes at 11:59 p.m. Central Time on Saturday, Dec. 4, 2010. Monday, Dec. 6, 2010 a winner will be randomly drawn from eligible entrants and notified by e-mail, and the winner's name will also be posted here. Winner has one week to contact Charity to claim his/her prize after initial contact. Contest open to U.S. residents. Keep checking here for our weekly giveaways and good luck to you!

Winner is Julie!

Big Savings this Weekend:: Black Friday / Cyber Monday Sales!

Shop Local, Shop Handmade and Save big this weekend with KCEtsy Team Members!! Check out these great deals available all weekend long::

1. itsvann:
•SAVE 20% with code HOLIDAYBFSALE
•BUY TWO ACCESSORIES get ONE PAIR of mini button earrings FREE.
•FREE shipping when 3+ ACCESSORIES are purchased


2. DumbKidDesigns: BUY ONE GET ONE FREE!!! (Equal or Lesser Value) Plus FREE WORLD WIDE SHIPPING!!!!
see shop for details


3. PaperMillDesigns: FREE SHIPPING Black Friday ONLY


4. crimsonhill: free Dry Oil Perfume ($9.50 value) with any $15 purchase!


5. sweetmud: 20% OFF EVERYTHING IN THE SHOP + FREE SHIPPING 11/26-11/29 + USE COUPON CODE "20TGIV10" (discount not valid on gift certificate)


6. ThreadsEdge: 10% off with coupon code "KEEPWARM" - over open until December 15th!


7. TangoPony: Free Worldwide Shipping on all Jewelry


8. mamahootdesigns: 10-10 sale - $10 off all blankets and 10% off everything else.


9. SteamTimeJewelry: 10% off everything 11/23 to 12/24, use coupon code Holiday10.


10. thesocialseam: 10% off of everything from Black Friday through Cyber Monday, 11-26-10 through 11-29-10. Enter coupon code BlackFriday2010 at checkout.


11. greengoat: Save 25% on all purchases made Friday 11/26 through Monday 11/ 29!! Use coupon code: BLACKFRIDAY2010


12. thebeadedlizard: Use Coupon Code HappyHolidays2010 to get 15%off all handmade jewelry

KCEtsy Countdown to Christmas Giveaway Week 2

This week’s giveaway is a checkbook holder and wallet of your choice from Dumb Kid Designs!

Dumb Kid Designs, huh?

Yep, that’s Susanne!

Her shop features wallets and passport holders made from recycled papers, such as maps, comics and other fun prints!

The checkbook holder is a great organizer for your bag, or coupon drawer, lots of stuff can fit in there too! The wallets are great for throwing in your pocket and running out the door. Who wants to keep track of extra stuff at this time of the year! Speaking of wallets, they are her item to make! She has lots of them, help her make more! :)

She has lots of new stuff everyday! Wallets, pocketbook, etc. They are the perfect stocking stuffer! Stop on by her etsy shop and check out her items!!!

THIS GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED!


Here is how TO ENTER THIS CONTEST AND WIN a wallet and checkbook holder of your choice, simply visit Susanne’s Etsy Shop (www.dumbkiddesigns.etsy.com) and choose your favorite item in the shop, then post a comment here about your favorite item. Be sure to include your e-mail in your post, so we can notify you if you win!

For extra entries, please leave a separate comment for each entry that you complete. Ex. "Like" KCetsy on Facebook, leave a comment saying you did.

Extra Entries:

1. Become a follower of KCEtsy blog.

2. Follow Susanne on her blog - http://www.dumbkiddesigns.blogspot.com/.

3. Become a fan of KCEtsy on facebook or comment that you already are a fan.

4. Tweet about this giveaway and leave a comment with the link to the tweet.

5. Post on your Facebook about this giveaway and leave a comment here.

6. Purchase item(s) and post the sold item. Each item is a different entry.

Your e-mail won’t be necessary in the extra entries since it will be in the first comment.

Remember, the first comment is mandatory and you must leave a separate comment for each extra entry.

Contest closes at 11:59 p.m. Central Time on Saturday, Nov. 27, 2010. Monday, Nov. 29 a winner will be randomly drawn from eligible entrants and notified by e-mail, and the winner's name will also be posted here. Winner has one week to contact Susanne to claim his/her prize after initial contact. Contest open to U.S. residents. Keep checking here for our weekly giveaways, and good luck to you!

Winner is Ashley!

Countdown to Christmas Giveaway! Win an Aqua Owl Earrings and Peppermint Poppy Brooch from ItsVann!

Peppermint Poppy Brooch

Aqua Owl Earrings

Win an Aqua Owl Earrings AND Peppermint Poppy Brooch from It’s Vann!

A member of the KC Etsy Street Team, Vann has always enjoyed crafting and making things with her hands.
Her shop, It's Vann, features hand made floral accessories such a poppy brooches and headbands, as well has unique earrings and rings. Her favorite materials to use are felt, beads and buttons and it is reflected in her fun, eclectic accessories. She participated in craft shows around the Kansas City metro area and has just ventured into doing home parties!

Here is how TO ENTER THIS CONTEST AND WIN the Aqua Owl Earrings and Peppermint Poppy Brooch, simply visit Vann’s Etsy Shop (www.itsvann.etsy.com) and choose your favorite item in the shop, then post a comment here about your favorite item here. Be sure to include your e-mail in your post, so we can notify you if you win!

For extra entries, please leave a separate comment for each entry that you complete. Ex. "Like" me on Facebook, leave a comment saying you did. Follow Vann on Twitter, leave another comment saying you did that.

Extra Entries:

1. Become a follower of KCEtsy blog.

2. Follow Vann on twitter or comment that you are already following.

3. Follow Vann on her blog - www.itsvann.blogspot.com.

4. Become a fan of KCEtsy on facebook or comment that you already are a fan.

5. Tweet about this giveaway and leave a comment with the link to the tweet.

6. Post on your Facebook about this giveaway and leave a comment here.

7. Purchase item(s) and post the sold item. Each item is a different entry.

Your e-mail won’t be necessary in the extra entries since it will be in the first comment.

Remember, the first comment is mandatory and you must leave a separate comment for each extra entry.

Contest closes at 11:59 p.m. Central Time on Saturday, Nov. 20, 2010. Monday, Nov. 21 a winner will be randomly drawn from eligible entrants and notified by e-mail, and the winner's name will also be posted here. Winner has one week to contact Vann to claim his/her prize after initial contact. Contest open to U.S. residents. Keep checking here for our weekly drawings, and good luck to you!

This giveaway is closed.

Winner is windycindy!

Handmade Holiday's

If you haven’t checked out Second Saturdays at The Stone, well your chance is here this Saturday!

It’s the 2nd weekend for the Handmade Holidays at The Stone, November 13th from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.

A few members from the team will be set up to sell their handmades, along with ~12 other crafters from the area. This is a great time to pick up handmade and locally made items for your holiday gift giving.

Anchalee from Newelry Jewelry with beautiful hand beaded jewelry and hair accessories. Look for Anchallee's new Dragonfly hair pins and pendants when you stop by her booth at The Stone Saturday.

You won't want to miss the expertly handcrafted fine art jewelry from Carol of Silver Trove. If you have a lover of sterling silver jewelry, Carol will have something stunning - rings, necklaces, pendants, bracelets - they will love.

Susanne from Dumb Kid Designs will also be there with paper wallets and accessories that are prefect for gift giving ... use her paper wallets for holding gift cards, gift tag holder, or add them to stockings. If you know some traveling abroad for the holidays, then they'll need one of her passport holders and luggage tags.

So start your shopping early and come join us!

Jerusalem Stone is located at 79th and Warnall, 319 W. 79th Terrace, in Kansas City, Missouri.

Love Local. Buy Local. Support Local.

Embrace Color

Poppy Flower Patch Headband by itsvann
Chai Mosaic III Soldered Pendant Charm by lbolter
Oilcloth covered switchplate by annebvinyl
Baby or toddler unisex colored onesies by EllaJoeCouture
Color Love Lampwork Watch by WMJewelry
Large Flat Pouch by nicherndesign

Ensure a Bright Orange Halloween

Check out this awesome treasury curated by KCEtsy Team Member mamahootdesigns. It's full of great accessories sure to make for a playful Halloween weekend. I love the mix of everyday and holiday items ... individually and collectively they make for a whimsical Halloween collection from the team. Click on over to Etsy and let them, and mamahootdesigns, know your thoughts on this collection - everyone loves comments!

Sporting our PINK for Breast Cancer

Kansas City Etsy Team would like to challenge all our readers to sport a little extra pink this month in support of the many women and men who are affected by Breast Cancer each year. This month find some way to reach out and lighten the burden of cancer for someone you know ... take in a meal or frozen dinner for later, send a note of love and encouragement, volunteer your time, make a phone call, send a gift card (gas, groceries, take out), donate money for research. Together we can make a difference and lighten the load of the many, within our circles whose lives have been forever changed because of cancer.

Small Pouch, pressed flowers by nicherndesign
Hawaiian Lei flower artisan Soap by ajscountrycottage
Poppy Illustration Poster by shawnanonna
Pouty Pink Raveled Rosettes Tank by EllaJoeCouture
Tiny Treasures Necklace by NewelryJewelry
Petal Pink Burp Cloth Bundle by tinystitches

Collection contributed by NichernDesign.

Weekend Festivals

The weather this weekend is sure to be fabulous for hitting some of the outdoor festivals that have started up this fall. Take advantage of the sunshine and cool breezes and stop in and say hello to these two Kansas City Etsy Team members!

Thyme2dream has set up shop at the Kansas City Renaissance Festival at booth 266, behind the Souvenir Shop near the Merlin's Berm Stage. The Festival is open Saturdays 10-7 until October 17th. Karla and Ian, the amazing artisans behind Thyme2dream, specialize in handcrafted elven fairy jewelry and fanciful things for magical spaces. Their circlets (crown/tiara), ear and arm cuffs, earrings and necklaces are stunning and very popular among fae and elven folk as well as us mortals.

* * * * *

Valerie Preston Design is showing this weekend at the Longview Art and World Music Festival this weekend. Admission to this weekend long event is free and located at the New Longview Commercial District, 3rd St. at View High Drive in Lee's Summit, MO 64081. Valerie will be showing her designer hand crafted jewelry in booth number 75 on the south side of the strip, along with 80 other local and regional artists. The Art Festival is open this afternoon from 3-9pm, Saturday 10am -9pm and Sunday from 11am - 5pm.

Halloween is in the Shops

Witches Brew Lampwork Earrings by WMJewlery
Halloween Cat ACEO print by allisonstein
Halloween Cat Gourd Sculpture by trellisgourds
Full Halloween Apron by thesewingmachine
Halloween Candy & Spider Hair Charms by itsvann

S'mores

It was a great weekend for toasting marshmallows over a fire and making a camping favorite ... s'mores!

S'mores wallet/card holder by DumbKidDesigns
Contemporary Swirl lampwork earrings by LyspiredJewelry
Bradford Pear Votive Holder by Twinwoodcarving
Frosted Graham Crackers candle by ajscountrycottage

Red, red wine

Wine Cork Stemware Charms by bbesigns
Burlap Gift bag to Personalize by SouthHouseBoutique
True Love is like Fine Wine, greeting card by bbesigns
Shabbat Table, original painting by lbolter
Floral Padded Wine Bottle Tote by SouthHouseBoutique

Classroom Style

2011 Overdue Book Calendar by AuntJune
IPod Touch Case by thesewingmachine
School Days Wristlet by RowanDesigns
Kids Arts and Craft Apron by tinystitches
Apple for the Teacher Glass Pendant by DesignsbyKM

Mr. Ocax visits Etsy

What did you read this summer?

OWL - ACEO Original Watercolor Painting by allisonstein
Hoot Hoot Owl Print by itsvann
Avocado Dress by greengoat
Owl Rubber Stamp by shalana
Owl envelope & blank note card by dumbkiddesigns
Nick the Felted Wool Owl by SkiDoodle

Summer Limes

Omar Alien Amigurumi Plush Knitting Pattern by cheezombie
GreenEyed Catgoyle 5x7 print by allisonstein
Preppy Navy & Lime Wedding Invitation by PaperMillDesigns
Fleur de Lis Hand Beaded Lampwork Bracelet by HoneyBearBeads
Whimsical Gnome Planter Decoration by trellisgourds
Willow Pillow with Hand Dyed Silk Leaves by StirAtHome

Independence Day Flare

Nerd Power Pocket Protector by annebvinyl
Red and Blue Lampwork Pendant by LynspiredJewelry
Red & Blue Felted Wool Bead Bracelet by treasuredgoddess
Burp Cloth Bundle of Four by tinystitches

Sweet Land of Liberty

Big Blueberry Flower Pendant & Jade on copper chain necklace by NewelryJewelry
Patriotic Lampwork Bracelet by WMJewelry
Ella Joe Couture Rockstar in Training Onesie by EllaJoeCouture
Fresh Lilac Luxury Artisan Handmade Soap by ajscountrycottage

Tweet Tweet

Be Unique poster by shawnanonna
Organic Bird Onesie by greengoat
Customizable Peacock poster by itsvann
Purple Birdies Tote by auntjune
She Still Sings Canvas by collagecontessa

Follow the KCEtsy Team on Twitter ... for all the latest team tweets.

Bowl Full of Cherries

Elm Dough Bowl by Twinwoodcarvings
Custom Made Pennant Banner by somethingfromcassie
Burgundy and Bordeaux Heart Earrings by scorpienna
Organic Owl Onesie by greengoat

Rose Bud

Magnetic Eraser Brooch by withington
Carnelian and Argentium Sterling Silver Wire Sculpted Ring by SilverTrove
An Apple a Day wallet / card holder by DumbKidDesigns
Pink Fling, lampwork earrings by WMJewelry
ROSE Burp Cloth Bundle of Four by tinystitches
The Jill Handbag by thesocialseam

Mother's Day - Bath & Body

Evergreen, Lichen, Tree Resin BATH SALT 3-pack by ForStrangeWomen
Make-up Bag by thesewingmachine
Essential Oil Soaps by ajscountrycottage
Ultra Light Body Lotion by HarvestOfPeace
Lavender Sachet by ByDesign

Mother's Day - Romantic

Nanas English Garden, Woven Chain Bracelet by LynspiredJewelry
Ava's Sacred Vial Pendant necklace by ForStrangeWomen
Wide Band Sterling Silver Ring by SilverTrove
Venus Preciosa Crystal & Silver Earrings by scorpienna

Mother's Day - Silver

Perfect for the Bride, Earrings No. 5 by PyewacketsAttic
Snuggle Time Kitty by shawnanonna
Bette Davis quote humorous Greeting Card by bbesigns
the Power of three by SylviaC
silver heart earrings by shirleyborchardt
Silver Leaf Scarf by ExcessoriesKC

Mother's Day - Seafoam

Playful Paisley, large flat pouch by nicherndesign
Anna II Chenille Burp Cloth by polkadotpapoose
Reversible Apron by thesewingmachine
Copper Chain Charm Bracelet by thebeadedlizard
Sweet Dreams Lampwork bracelet by WMJewelry
Luxury Artisan Oil Oil Bar Soap by ajscountrycottage

Mother's Day - Plum

Fanciful Hearts Amethyst Earrings by Thyme2dream
Copper Goddess Lampwork Earrings by WMJewelry
Plum Drop Earrings by christinavitale
Cha Cha Amethyst Earrings by NewelryJewelry

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Recycled Red Cedar Organizer Box by epicepoch
Keys Pencil Board Wall Art by ellistrations
Yellow Straight Pin Necklace by withingtons
Stamped Pathways RoHS Circuit Board Ring by upcycledjewelry
Spring Flowers Upcycled Dress by repurposefuljunk
Vintage Owls in the trees, light switch cover by laceyellis

Buttercups and Honeysuckle

Custom Name with Billy Button Flowers by shawnanonna
Pair of Honey Blossom handmade Lampwork Beads by HoneyBearBeads
Big Yellow Flowers Wallet/Cardholder by DumbKidDesigns
Honeysuckle Jasmine Candle by ajscountrycottage

The Apple of My Eye

Red Fairy Elven Triad Necklace by Thyme2dream

Red Apple Gourd by trellisgourds
Scales in red, art giclee print by AprilMarieMai
Jerusalem Day, Original Painting by lbolter
Red Candy Bracelet by itsvann
Celebration Stained Glass Panel by PurpleBear
Red Parasol Porcelain Necklace by sweetmud
Black Cherry Candle by ajscountrycottage
autism awareness key fob by anitanks

For the Fiber Enthusiast

Mini Fiber Batts by thefunkyfelter
Sophie the Felted Wool Owl by SkiDoodle
Alpaca Stitch Markers by asiarosa
Garden Slug Amigurumi Knitting Pattern by cheezombie
Love Ya a Bunch, heart pendant by thefunkyfelter
Yarn Love, photographic print by auntjune
Chai Latte Alpaca Yarn by asiarosa

Midwest Fiber Craft

Over the last few years the interest in and popularity of Fiber Crafts have exploded. No longer are fiber crafts like wool felting, crocheting, knitting, just to name a few, a thing of your grandmothers era. Fiber Crafts are urban, they are green, they are chic, and they are a growing industry on and off Etsy.

Enter a new blog for Midwest Fiber Crafts. The goal of MFC is to freely promote Midwest fiber events of all kinds, as well as provide a good information source for Midwestern fiber enthusiasts. If you enjoy attending fiber events or activities, or just want to learn more about the craft, tone into this blog. Additionally, if you know of any fiber event or activity happening in the Midwest this year, submit it to MFC for posting. MFC also has a facebook fan page you can follow, fans can post their events directly to the MFC facebook fan page wall, upload photos as well as start discussions.

Creator, Shalana Frisby (thefunkyfelter), says, "Other than some sponsorship ads, this is mainly a labor of love. My husband and I really enjoy attending fiber events. (I think we'd go to one every weekend if we could find them!) I hope this new blog helps others to find great fiber events to attend and support fiber farmers and other fiber business people."

Take a minute to check out this new blog and see what fiber events are coming to your neighborhood. Then invite your fiber loving friends to follow this new blog and facebook fan page.

Spring Blooms

Vibrant Nature Prints by CallaghanArtGallery
Clover on Jute Table Runner by SouthHouseBoutique
Custom Pennant Banner by somethingfromcassie
Poppy Illustration by shawnanonna
Ranunculus Flower Gocco Print by AprilMarieMai
Cool and Crisp Black & White Fine Art Photograph by emcphoto

Tuesday Tutorial: Vintage Easter Eggs

Tutorial prepared by The Collage Contessa.
Reprinted from Collage Contessa with permission.

Kris, the CollageContessa, has caught the tutorial bug! Finding, documenting a project as she goes, an addictive pass time. She's back this week to take us step-by-step through making a lovely Spring art piece just in time for Easter sharing. [Don't want to wait and make your own? Kris has put her Vintage Easter Eggs in her shop just for you!]

I started with mat board - one of my 'best ever' garage sale purchases, 2 huge Rubbermaid tubs full of mat board pieces for $4. I know DH wondered what in the world I was going to do with all of that but I've used it for years now and it shows no sign of depleting! Anyway, cut 4 egg shapes. Mine are about 3 1/4" x 4 3/4". I used an X-acto knife for this. It's the easiest way.

Cover the front of all the eggs with various scraps of dictionary paper, vintage sheet music, receipts, foreign text book pages and more. The usual vintage supplies. If you want, at this stage you could ink the edges with a brown ink pad.

Here's where the fun part comes in. Do you have cheesecloth in white? I have tons of this stuff. I must have kept buying it, thinking I didn't have any and voila! Now I have 5 packages. lol Anyway, take the folded pack, unfold a bit. Find the edge and cutting through all layers, cut off about 1" wide strip. Doesn't have to be perfect.

Take the cut piece, open up until you have a pile of strips. Set your sewing machine on little stitches and push the cheesecloth through the sewing machine with 2 fingers. Cheesecloth is dainty so it kind of takes 2 fingers to direct it. If you get a good rhythm of pushing through you'll get lots of ruffling happening. I thought about doing the ruffling the traditional way of big stitches and then pulling the threads tight to ruffle but knowing cheesecloth, it would have just ripped holes in the cloth.

When you're done and have a nice long strand (I cut two 1" strips and sewed them together), lay the strand out on scrap paper. Spray with watered down acrylic paint or glimmer mist. I made some of my own glimmer mist; I'll share that recipe sometime. I flipped the strands over to make sure color was on both sides.

Hang it up to dry somewhere. I did hit it with my heat gun for just a bit before hanging. It does make the cheesecloth shrink up in some spots so if you don't want that, don't heat it.

At this point I just took my egg shapes and added bits of lace, trim, ric rac, lines made with watercolor crayons (Caran d'ache), black pen and glitter glue. I glued on flowers, and pearls. I also adhered images from Altered Pages collage sheets. You can buy an Easter Egg kit now from the Altered Pages store.

When the cheesecloth trim was dry I glued it around a couple of the eggs and across the others in a stripe. You can also ink the cheesecloth with brown ink for a vintage look. On one egg I sewed the image to a fabric scrap. Just lots of little touches.

The last step I did was make a makeshift stand for my egg. I'm going to work on making something more permanent as this one is taped to the back but I like it right now. The egg looks so cute standing up. Wouldn't this make a great Easter gift? A few of the eggs are heading to my Etsy Store today.

For the stand, I took an 8-9" piece of wrapped wire. I rolled up the ends of the wire, leaving about 5-6" of unrolled wire in between. I formed it into a square U shape. I then took a 3" piece of wire and twisted it to the arms of the stand to brace it. I taped it to the back of the egg to help it stand up.


You can find Kris's altered mixed media pieces in her Etsy shop. Love Kris's whimsical style? She has an Etsy shop just for supplies!